HOME PROFILE: Character and charm in Swampscott Cape

Tuesday

Mar 7, 2017 at 6:56 AM

Don’t be fooled by the date — 1950 — that this spacious residence was built. This mid-century home is a classic expanded Cape with lots of extras. Size, as in big, is one of them and so is character — and lots of that.

By Barbara Forster / GateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 16 Blodgett Ave., Swampscott

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2 full; 1 half

LIVING SPACE: 2,171 sq. ft.

PRICE: $729,000

Don’t be fooled by the date — 1950 — that this spacious residence was built. This mid-century home is a classic expanded Cape with lots of extras. Size, as in big, is one of them and so is character — and lots of that.

Toss in a bit of your own personality, a touch of TLC and this especially livable home will be the neighborhood showpiece.

What’s not to love?

Running front-to-back, the open living-dining room, which is very large, feels comfortable and inviting. One reason might be the fireplace with a stone surround and a detailed mantel. Then again, open shelving (with closed storage below) adjacent to the fireplace or the exposed ceiling beams add to its charm while wide pine board flooring is a cohesive element.

Views — to the ocean — and space — as in big — are defining elements in the dining area but so is cleverly planned storage. Incidentally, the amount of storage is amazing. It begins with two built-in closed cabinets that include two drawers each flanking three classic six-over-six, double-hung windows.

What is both surprising and appealing in this sizable area is a variation on the old-fashioned china closet. Here four closets — count them — are fully integrated into the paneled walls. Yep, they completely disappear until you "open" a door to reveal almost floor-to-ceiling open shelving that offers an incredible amount of storage.

The eat-in country kitchen with its beamed ceiling, six-over-six windows and paver-like tile floor successfully blends rustic charm with contemporary styles like stainless steel appliances. The result is a warm and inviting gathering spot. On a practical note, this is a large room with ample prep space, too.

The adjacent family room — guaranteed to be "the" go-to spot — has wide pine floor boards and a wall of built-in open and closed storage/display space.

Incidentally, a half bathroom is also nearby.

Escape to privacy

The "charm" aspect of this home is in details large and small. Consider the horizontal paneling on both sides of the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

Nor is it surprising that the bedrooms are equally appealing. All (including the master suite where we’ll go in a moment), for example, have interesting ceiling angles. One bedroom has knotty pine wall paneling, too. On the other hand day-to-day living needs were not forgotten.

The largest (non-master) bedroom has a wall of built-in double closets that are exceptionally deep plus built-in two-over-three drawer bureaus topped by a closed cupboard with H & L hinges. The fact is that in this home storage is everywhere, albeit with a nod to out-of-the-ordinary.

Whether used as an office, den or playroom, a "bonus" room on this level is not only versatile but also a boon to those who like to keep things organized. This room has a built-in two-over-three drawer bureau as well as more built-in storage inside closets tucked into a nook.

By the way, the shared bathroom has a tub/shower combination but the tile work, which is in superb condition, is the scene stealing feature. Here period colors — turquoise, black and cream — are delightful reminders that this home was built in 1950.

A must-see

Charm reigns in the master suite. For example, the king-bed size sleeping chamber has an old-fashioned (i.e., sensible and sweet) built-in two-over-four-drawer bureau plus eave storage. H-and-L hinges on the large closet are additional touches of character.

This huge area also has a full glass pane door to a very big wrap-around deck with wonderful views and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.

A step-in shower in the en suite bathroom is fully tiled and this room also has tile wainscoting.

Outdoor heaven

Green space — and lots of it — is another plus with this home. In addition to a spacious slate patio, the yard also has a huge brick patio. A well-established tree (all it needs is a swing) makes this a perfect picture-postcard scene. It also makes this a very comfy place on a lazy summer/fall afternoon.

Contact Hope Zabar of Sagan Agency Realtors at 781-479-0555 or 781-593-6111 or by email: hopezabar@comcast.net